Morrison, the lead singer of the rock band known for his partying lifestyle, died on July 2, 1971, aged 27 of heart failure in his bathtub in Paris, and his grave at Pere Lachaise cemetery remains a pilgrimage site for fans.

Band members Ray Manzarek, the keyboardist, and guitarist Robby Krieger, lit candles at the grave of their late frontman.

Fans of Morrison, who some considered a poet, also paid homage at his grave by leaving flowers there. Some wore black T-shirts containing a white drawing of Morrison's face and the words "40th anniversary".